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Monsanto
admits to another instance of unapproved GE crops contaminating
food supply
 Amsterdam/London,
17 April 2002: In light of Monsanto’s admission that,
for the past three years, its genetically engineered (GE)
canola/oilseed rape seeds may have been contaminated with
unapproved genetic materials (Wall Street Journal 15/4/02),
Greenpeace calls on the European Commission and the Member
States to:
-
Fully
investigate the case, ensuring that any contaminated oilseed
rape seeds and food products produced from contaminated US
canola are immediately recalled.
- Suspend all current EU (European Union) authorisations for
field trials and commercial use of GE oilseed rape.
- Support the demand from the US Center for Food Safety, which
has called for a criminal investigation of Monsanto and Aventis.
The inherent
risks resulting from the uncontrollability of GE crops, especially
those connected to oilseed rape, are well documented. Recently
a European Environmental Agency (EEA) report characterised
oilseed rape as a high-risk crop for cross-pollination. The
evidence from Canada shows that "super weeds" have
developed since this GE canola/oilseed rape was planted in
1997.
For further
information:
Wall
Street Journal
Center
for Food Safety
Zero
tolerance: No GMO releases via seed contamination
GE
oilseed rape - Out of control in Canada? Greenpeace International
- April 2002
Genetically
modified organisms (GMOs): The significance of gene flow through
pollen transfer”, European Environmental Agency
Gene
stacking in herbicide tolerant oilseed rape: lessons from
the North American experience, English Nature, February 2002
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